This afternoon Chief of Police Vanessa Wilson terminated the employment of Officer Robert Lyons for untruthfulness and theft of city time.
Between August 3, 2020 and September 22, 2020, Officer Lyons left work early a total of nine days (34.25 hours) without receiving authorization from his supervisor. He also failed to document his time in the department's time management system as required by department directives. When he was questioned by a supervisor about taking time off he was untruthful and stated that he had not taken any time off during that period.
An Internal Affairs Bureau investigation was initiated and during his interview with investigators Officer Lyons admitted to being untruthful when he was questioned by his supervisor about the time off.
During the discipline review process Officer Lyons was sustained for violating the following Department Directives:
14.2.15 Unsatisfactory Performance
8.2.3 Request for Leave
14.2.2 Making a False or Untruthful Declaration
Chief Wilson's Statement:
“A police officer who chooses to be dishonest forfeits their credibility and becomes ineffective to the judicial system, our police department and the community we serve.
My commitment to rebuild trust with our community will not tolerate such deceptive conduct of an officer who has been given the privilege to wear this badge.
It is disappointing to learn an officer has betrayed their oath. I want to reassure the community I will continue to hold our members accountable for their actions while also recognizing the majority who display unwavering integrity each and every day.”
Officer Lyons was hired in 2017 and was last assigned to District 2 Patrol. He has had no previous formal discipline.
Internal Affairs Investigation Summary of Evidence
Disciplinary Order
Lieutenant Chris Amsler
Commanding Officer
Media Relations Unit
720.432.5095
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